MLB News

Feliz fires shutout inning in Tigers debut

Ex-Texas closer signs as free agent; Ferrell sent to Triple-A

By
Betsy HelfandMLB.com

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Tigers went looking for bullpen reinforcements and evidently found what they were looking for in Neftali Feliz. A day after a seven-run bullpen meltdown in the ninth inning, the Tigers announced the signing of Feliz on Saturday.

They put him to work almost immediately. Manager Brad Ausmus said before the game they'd like to start Feliz out in a lower-stress situation because he hadn't pitched in more than a week, which is exactly what the Tigers did. Feliz came on in the eighth inning of the Tigers' 9-5 loss to the Twins.

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Tigers went looking for bullpen reinforcements and evidently found what they were looking for in Neftali Feliz. A day after a seven-run bullpen meltdown in the ninth inning, the Tigers announced the signing of Feliz on Saturday.

They put him to work almost immediately. Manager Brad Ausmus said before the game they'd like to start Feliz out in a lower-stress situation because he hadn't pitched in more than a week, which is exactly what the Tigers did. Feliz came on in the eighth inning of the Tigers' 9-5 loss to the Twins.

"He was good," Ausmus said. "If he can pitch similar to that on a regular basis, he can be a nice addition to the bullpen."

Feliz, 27, gave up an infield single to Twins right fielder Torii Hunter before getting Joe Mauer to ground into a double play and striking out Miguel Sano swinging.

Feliz, who was designated for assignment on July 3 by the Texas Rangers, was 1-2 with a 4.58 ERA in 18 games. He elected free agency after clearing waivers. Feliz, a closer by trade, was an All-Star in 2010, saving 40 games that year in 70 appearances.

To open a roster spot, the Tigers optioned right-hander Jeff Ferrell back to Triple-A Toledo. Ferrell made two appearances since his callup earlier this month and gave up three runs in two innings.